Flight or Fight

7:30-9:30, 9:30-11:30, 1:30-3:30, 5-7:30, The End.

I took one flight over to Glenndale in order to have someplace different to do the pattern, and took another over to Marion in order to have someplace different to do the pattern, and the rest of the time I stayed at Kokomo and did the pattern.  I am fairly sure I'm giggling to myself randomly and for no reason at this point.  ;)

But the good news is that I think a couple of them had a bit of a breakthrough today, and I'm looking forward to seeing if tomorrow that theory holds up and there's some consistency with it...

When I got home, it was to a surprise--Steve's sister stopped by!  It's great to see her, and Kaylee was really excited too.  She's here for a couple of days to visit while Tanner is off doing something nearby...

AOPA just sent out a Special Report email to everybody.  I haven't said anything that I recall, but lately there have been several pilots who have been detained on a ramp and their airplane searched, without being given any reason or cause.  They're detained for hours, and feel threatened by federal agents with large weapons who aren't explaining anything.  One official even went on record with something pretty scary:  ("He also told us that during the training he was taught that the pilots were to be treated as though they had no right to refuse the search. “What they taught law enforcement officers and agents was that all aircraft can be detained since they all fall under the authority of the FAA.” He continued that, “this in effect gives them complete search authority of any aircraft.”) the headline went out as "Pilots have no Rights".  That's not what it says--it says that the officers doing these searches and detainments are to ACT as though pilots have no rights.  Because we all know that if you act as though you're supposed to be somewhere or doing something, act as if you have the power, and most people will just give it to you.  As this is happening more frequently, AOPA has come out with a guide for what the best thing for you as a pilot to do if accosted by armed federal agents seeking to search, take apart, and inspect your aircraft without any reason given.  I'm afraid to read it.  Oh, these agents are also taking off inspection plates, insisting on seeing logbooks and weight and balance and airworthiness documents, and things that we have NO legal requirement to let them do.  I could start my "welcome to America" speech again if you like.  If I were stopped, if I could, I'd record it with my phone, even if it's just audio, and I'd definitely tell them I do NOT consent to their search of my property.  AOPA is demanding answers, and says they'll go to Congress if need be to get the answers.  Our government thinks it has the right to tap us, track us, monitor us, and search our property-at gunpoint-without our knowledge, consent, or even right of refusal, all in name of "the safety of the masses" or "the greater good", often times even just looking for drugs.  As if finding drugs is even a halfway defensible reason to stomp on all our rights.  And a good portion of people don't know, or don't care, or even worse, think it's okay if it'll help keep the precious children safe.  It's disgusting, and, well, scary...

I think God knew that I needed a break from the pattern, because suddenly my schedule blew up with trips.  This Friday is Hannibal, Missouri.  Next Monday is back to Hannibal, back by noon and then possibly on to Lincoln, Nebraska again afterwards.  Tuesday is northern Wisconsin, and Wednesday is Virginia.  Then Thursday I'm back in the pattern all day, and next Friday I go to Ohio to pick up Kaylee from camp.  I won't have had time to even miss her!  And we have Got to get ready for camp, too...

Well, first I'm going to stuff billing envelopes and get that ready for mailing out tomorrow, prior to taking Kaylee shopping for shorts that fit her for camp, before I hit the pattern for the rest of the afternoon, and maybe even get to solo a kid.  Maybe.  I hope.  :)